Hosting its third annual gala, Waves of Changes for Autism raised a record-breaking $260,000 to aid in its mission to support children and their families living with autism. The evening hosted more than 1,000 members of the Vaughan, Ont., community, who all share in the organization’s goals. Waves of Changes has been able to provide financial assistance to 70 applicants, and with the funds raised at this year’s gala, 56 additional applicants have been approved for funding. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and community supporters, our grassroots organization is able to fund every eligible application received this year,” says Ellen Contardi, board chair.